Crescent City woman pleads guilty in boyfriend's death

A Crescent City woman accused of shooting and killing her boyfriend two months ago pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was released Friday from the Del Norte County jail, according to officials.

Misty Fitzhugh, 34, was accused of shooting and killing Crescent City resident Jeffrey Bartley, 43, with a rifle near the town of Smith River in Del Norte County on April 22. Officials believe she shot Bartley after a physical altercation.

Fitzhugh's Crescent City attorney James Fallman said her case has revealed some interesting details over time, details that show she's not a threat to the general public. He said more details will be released once Fitzhugh is sentenced.

"She was released on her own recognizance with a lot of conditions," Fallman said.

He said Fitzhugh is participating in a drug rehabilitation program and will be sentenced by a judge at a later date. He said Fitzhugh was a victim of domestic violence.

Supervising Deputy Attorney General Joyce Blair couldn't be reached for comment Monday. Blair has taken over for Deputy Attorney General Brian Newman, who has been assigned to a new position. The state Attorney General's Office has been prosecuting cases in which Del Norte County District Attorney Jon Alexander has a conflict.